phrustrated philly phan

Scout.com has released their annual top 300 prospects and I thought I would list and comment on them.

• Phillies in Top 300 Prospects

29) Gio Gonzalez (AA)- 4-10, 4.66 ERA, 114 INN, 125 SO, 60 BB

125) Mike Constanzo (A)- .238/10/57, 108 SO

157) Mike Bourn (AAA, Phillies)- .330 AVG, 94 ABs, 12 SBs, .418 OBS

201) Jason Jaramillo (AA)- .225/4/28,

213) Greg Colson (A)- .346 AVG, .370 OBP, 26 ABs, 5 SO

232) J.A. Happ (AA)- 5-1, 2.17 ERA, .212 Opp Avg, 45 SO, 37.1 INN

260) Scott Mathieson (AA, AAA, Phillies)- recently called up and will start tomorrow

291) Scott Mitchison (Low A)- 3-3, 3.76 ERA, .231 Opp Avg

In addition C.J. Henry, acquired in the Bobby Abreu trade is ranked 116 overall by Scout.com

Gio Gonzalez is ranked as the 9th overall ranked pitcher. He looks to have a very bright upside and could contribute for a long time although he has struggled at times in Reading. After that though there is a big drop-off until there next ranked pitcher. J.A. Happ is rated as the 109th overall pitcher. His fastball is his best pitch but his change up is developing well. He has compared to Randy Wolf. Scott Mathieson, who is now back up with the Phillies, is rated 123 overall. So far, I have liked what I have seen from him and believe he will become a very good pitcher for the Phillies. Ten spots lower is Scott Mitchinson (133). He has very good control and keeps the ball low in the zone well. In 2004, he throw 61.1 innings while walking only one batter. Coming into this year he had thrown 135.1 innings and only surrendered three home runs. One scout compared him to Cory Lidle.

Their infield prospects are scarce and have not had much success in the minors. Jason Jaramillo is a highly regarded defensive catcher at Reading but has not proved himself with the bat. Jaramillo is ranked as the 14th best catching prospects. He is not the answer at catcher next year, and may take a couple more years to develop. Mike Costanzo, 10th rated third basemen, is struggling at Single A. He has had a tendancy to strike out too much and has probably at least three years to go before he will be able to sniff Philadelphia. The best prospect acquired in the Yankees trade was C.J. Henry. Henry is ranked as the ninth overall shortstop. He is a pure athlete who had committed to play basketball at Kanas before being drafted by the New York Yankees. He is still many years away.

Their top outfield prospect, Michael Bourn, has been called up to Philadephia. He started the year at Reading before being called up to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and really had his production skyrocket. He is ranked as the 41st overall outfield prospect. Greg Colson is the other ranked outfielder. He is ranked 51st overall. He is very highly regarded but has struggled at Single A.

Overall this is not the strongest minor league system but their are some definite positives. I like the pitching prospects but some of the position players I am not convinced are the real deal.